Reflections On Home Time

I’ve been on home time for a week; back to work on Monday.

Home time is a strange experience for me, is it for other drivers? I don’t take home time unless I really have to get stuff done like a medical appointment, etc. I always have a list of stuff to get accomplished but usually only get 50% of that stuff done before I have to get back to work.

My experience is that being on duty driving is more relaxing to me than home time. Home time wears me out. I am looking forward to hitting the road again on Monday.

Do any of you experience this strange phenomenon?

Similar to yourself, I don't take home time often. It's kind of an as-need basis, or more than a week all at once to take a trip. I do feel antsy when not working. There is a relaxing aspect to it, but when I end up having to drive a car, I realize how much better our trucks are designed for long periods of driving. A couple of hours driving in a car, and I need a nap. Once off the road for 3 or 4 days, I feel the road calling to me.

Got home today. I never complete all of the jobs I want to, but God has blessed me with more than I deserve. So, I'll just keep on keepin' on. :)

Got home today. I never complete all of the jobs I want to, but God has blessed me with more than I deserve. So, I'll just keep on keepin' on. :)

Steve, you were one of the guys I thought of when I posted this topic. You’ve posted a few photos of your home and I can see why you would enjoy being there. And I know a driver’s family situation plays a big part in the home time enjoyment and dynamic.

My only family is my grandson and even when I’m home I only get limited time with him because he lives two hours from me and if he stays with me he has to stay on the truck. Not exactly his idea of a great visit. So I always try to arrange something to do with him and we get a motel room for a night or two.

It’s a very different situation for you drivers with spouses, children or grandchildren at home. But since I’m pretty footloose and fancy free, I get kinda antsy when I’m on home time.

And then there are those who avoid OTR altogether because they want to be home every night with the family.

It’s just interesting to me to see how different drivers view their home time, (or lack-thereof). Lol

It’s a very different situation for you drivers...

I admit I didn't always cherish the hometime like I do today. Especially during my military days.

Some years ago, while driving for Schneider, I would take a 34 or hometime at a friend's house in Ohio. I was Best Man at their wedding in the 1980's and we've remained friends ever since. The hometime spent with them was great and just enough to not let the friendship spoil.

I've also taken hometime at other relatives' places around the country and that was pretty cool.

In a few weeks, my hometime will be similar to yours as my family will take off for three weeks to visit in-laws up north. So, I get what you mean. They do this each year and I know what to expect. My suggestion is to plan ahead and try to think up something creative that YOU want to do. Then do it. Maybe it's getting a really nice hotel room on the beach or in the mountains. Pay the $$ for Uber or whatever you need, but spoil yourself. Heck, you earn that right.

Today we're going to the beach. I'm not a beach bum, but sometimes you've just got to take in the blessings of this life and forget about the road.

I got bored with being on furlough pretty quick. I've found things to occupy my time and I'm enjoying it more now.

I got bored with being on furlough pretty quick. I've found things to occupy my time and I'm enjoying it more now.

Do you have a date when you are scheduled to return to work? Props to you for being able to manage furlough well. Not sure that I would.

Do you have a date when you are scheduled to return to work? Props to you for being able to manage furlough well. Not sure that I would.

I first went on furlough the first week of March. I think at this point, it'll be difficult to get back on the trucking grind.

If they offer another furlough (very real possibility based on freight levels), I might take it again, even though I won't be eligible for unemployment anymore. I'm enjoying the warm weather and money isn't an issue, so I'll decide as August approaches and I know more.

It is slooooow. I volunteered to stay home and fish for a month. To-date, no response.

Do you have a date when you are scheduled to return to work? Props to you for being able to manage furlough well. Not sure that I would.

I first went on furlough the first week of March. I think at this point, it'll be difficult to get back on the trucking grind.

If they offer another furlough (very real possibility based on freight levels), I might take it again, even though I won't be eligible for unemployment anymore. I'm enjoying the warm weather and money isn't an issue, so I'll decide as August approaches and I know more.

Do you have a date when you are scheduled to return to work? Props to you for being able to manage furlough well. Not sure that I would.

I first went on furlough the first week of March. I think at this point, it'll be difficult to get back on the trucking grind.

If they offer another furlough (very real possibility based on freight levels), I might take it again, even though I won't be eligible for unemployment anymore. I'm enjoying the warm weather and money isn't an issue, so I'll decide as August approaches and I know more.

That's seems to be about as good a position as one could hope to be in as a driver right now.